Hooded Merganser Duck (Diving and Swimming Underwater)

Description:

Series: I had been watching this little male Hooded Merganser Duck over several days and what I really found interesting was just how well he could dive and swim underwater, which seemed much more natural to him than our other local ducks like Mallards. And it wasn't until I was able to look at these photos that I really noticed the little differences such fan-shaped tail feathers and the elongated serrated bill.

Habitat:

Marshy area of River

Notes:

Here are a few interesting facts, http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Birds/..., "The Hooded Merganser is the smallest of the three species of mergansers, also known as saw-bills or fish-ducks, found in North America. All mergansers have slender elongated serrated bills tipped with a hooked nail. These bills are ideally suited for capturing and controlling the slippery fish that make up a large part of their diet. They are extremely agile swimmers and divers but awkward on land because their legs are set well back on their bodies." And according to, http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/..., "Apparently finds all its food by sight; eyes adapted for good underwater vision."